We celebrate these famous Filipino lefties today, International Lefthanders Day, as they prove that a minority group can excel in various fields, joining great world figures in the list such as Aristotle, Leonardo Da Vinci, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Babe Ruth, Charlie Chaplin, Marie Curie, Sir Isaac Newton, no name a few.
The annual observance on August 13th which began in 1992 has given opportunities for more people to realize the difficulties a left-handed person experiences in a predominantly right-handed world, along with the stigma and superstitions about the minority group.
The world’s tools and resources are largely fitted for right-handers – from pens, school armchairs, scissors, and knives, hospital tools, among others – limiting opportunities for the lefties to be as successful as their right-handed counterparts.
Lefties have also been stigmatized with being “not properly developed” and children have been forced to switch to their right hand, causing less dexterity.
The group behind the International Left-Handers Day notes how handedness has a major influence on mental and physical development – the hand you write with is only a clue to the different connections going on inside the brain.
Understanding the whys and effects of left-hand dominance is crucial to more fair treatment.
Studies show how the brain is organized between the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere.
- The left hemisphere (RIGHT HAND CONTROL) controls Speech, Language, Writing, Logic, Mathematics, Science, this is the LINEAR THINKING MODE.
- The right hemisphere (LEFT HAND CONTROL) controls Music, Art, Creativity, Perception, Emotions, Genius, this is the HOLISTIC THINKING MODE
Effects of right brain dominance and Left Hand Control:
- Left-handers are more likely than right handers to be creative and visual thinkers
- Higher percentages of left-handers than normal are in certain jobs and professions – music and the arts, media in general
- Left-handers are generally better at 3-dimensional perception and thinking, leading, for example, to more left-handed architects than normal
- Left-handers are also usually pretty good at most ball sports and things involving hand-to-eye co-ordination
Research reveals that only about 10% of the world’s population are left-handed.
“But what they lack in numbers they make up for in talents,” declares the group behind the International Left-handers Day.
“Some of the most talented and influential people through history share this one super-trait that has given them incredible abilities in other ways,” the group adds.
Here are some famous Filipino personalities we cheer on this International Left Handers Day:
1. Vilma Santos
Actress and Politician
Maria Rosa Vilma Santos started as a child actress at the age of 9 in Trudis liit (1963). The same movie that gave her first FAMAS best child actress award. She is known as the Star for All Seasons in the Philippine entertainment industry. She was a full termer Governor of Batangas then full termer Mayor of Lipa City before her current service as a congresswoman for Lipa City in Batangas.
2. Dennis Trillo
Actor
Dennis Trillo is a multi-awarded actor who received the Philippines’ first Asian Star Prize from the Seoul International Drama Awards.
3. Jennylyn Mercado
Actress and Singer-Songwriter
Jennylyn Mercado is a product of a reality talent search who went on to become the Ultimate Star as a singer-songwriter and actress. She has received acting honors from world competitions, with the latest nod coming from the Seoul International Drama Awards for the Descendants of the Sun remake.
4. Jericho Rosales
Actor, Singer-Songwriter, Entrepreneur
Jericho Rosales is an internationally recognized actor and successful entrepreneur who has joined advocacies for clean water.
5. Maja Salvador
Actress
Maja Salvador is the actress who gave the Philippines its first award at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
6. Alden Richards
Actor, Endorser, Philanthropist
Alden Richards is the Philippines’ 2nd Asian Star Prize winner at the Seoul International Drama Awards. He successfully weaned from his image as part of the AlDub tandem with Maine Mendoza and went on to star in the country’s highest-grossing film. Alden the philanthropist has been actively helping the cause of youth education and health safety awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. Manny Pacquiao
Athlete and Politician
Manny Pacquiao is the Philippines’ boxing champion who has become world-famous for winning championship belts in 8 weight divisions – the only one to achieve the feat. He currently serves as Senator of the Philippines.
8. Paeng Nepomuceno
Athlete
Paeng Nepomuceno is touted as the “Greatest Filipino Athlete of All Time”, “Athlete of the Century”, and “International Bowling Athlete of the Millennium” who has won the World Cup in bowling four times in three decades.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to these famous Filipino lefties and all left-handed Pinoys on International Left Handers Day!
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